Saturday at Shawan

Team Terry went in all directions this weekend.  There were a lot of activities around the state.  Ashley (youngest of "The Three Marketeers") called to relate her adventures at the Legacy Chase on Saturday.   From her account, it seems the event was an unqualified success, despite the somewhat iffy weather on race day.  The grounds were "packed," according to Tweety.

The ninth running of the Legacy Chase continues to improve the experience, as this year the organizers added "The Meadows," a family-oriented festival area with food, craft vendors, and music.  Among the features in "The Meadows" was a station for children to assemble their own stick horses.  After one of the races, the budding carpenters were allowed onto the track to run their mounts.  They also got to take them home as souvenirs. 

(This sounds like a more civilized version of a scarecrow stuffing my kids did at a pumpkin patch one year.  The scarecrow did nothing to discourage seagulls, and I was pulling straw out of everything for weeks.)

Ashley remarked that the Downs was packed with revelers, with many of the spectators in classic attire.  Picnicing and tailgating were also the order of the day, along with food and wine concessions.

The Legacy Chase is a charitable fundraiser.  Through sponsorships, sales, and admissions, the organizers support Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Over the last three years, the event generated $265,000 for the nursing department at GBMC.

In all, it was a lovely day for Ashley and her family.  She said the facility and its setting are beautiful and accessible.  Hard to believe the rolling countryside of Baltimore County is so close to a major metropolitan area and so convenient to reach.

Let's Go, Chicago !!

No, not the Bears, Chisox or Cubbies.  The city, whose case for the 2016 Olympics will be touted by President Obama in Copenhagan, is still the slight favorite for the nod, although Rio is closing the gap.   (This is according to bookies who are taking bets on the outcome of the secret ballot October 2nd.)

Why should we care here in Maryland?  Because bringing the Main Event to our shores means that preliminary contests will be held in venues around the country.  The last time a summer Olympics was held here (Los Angeles, 1984) soccer qualifiers were played in Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis.

So a win for Chicago has a ripple effect, in addition to the national pride it engenders.  Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope for some action here in Maryland.

Spin in the City -- Charm City Cyclocross

Football is not the only sport that kicks off its season in September.  Cyclocross -- one of the fastest growing of the racing disciplines -- begins its four month circuit then.  One of the most popular East Coast Events is the Charm City Cyclocross, held September 20th in Druid Hill Park.

So what is cyclocross, you ask?  Think of it as a steeplechase on bikes.  Or maybe an obstacle course on wheels.  It requires rugged determination and an equally durable vehicle to conquor a course of hurdles, grades and sloppy terrain.

The Charm City Cyclocross is an outgrowth of an eponymous Baltimore cycling team. C3, as they are known, have been together for years and are easily recognized by their sleek black uniforms and supremacy in local races. 

Their event, now in its fifth year, became a sanctioned race for the first time.  It attracts about 750 participants and even more spectators.  Cyclocross is considered a family activity because there are classes for men, women, teens, and yes -- children.  Events and/or activities for the "Li'l Belgians," as they are known, are usually part of the festivities on race day.

Druid Hill Park, with its slopes, open fields, and woods, is considered a splendid venue for the challenge of cyclocross, offering ample space for spectator viewing.

There wasn't too much publicity about this race, which is a shame because it's something I would have liked to attend.  Fortunately, there are other Maryland meets, including ones next month in Hagerstown and Middletown.  November brings cyclocross to Rockburn Park in Howard County, and a very popular annual event at Fair Hill (always a favorite of the mountain bike crowd)

Cyclocross may be a niche sport, but it has a passionate following in Maryland.  It also has plenty of room to grow when you consider all the venues and natural resources available to stage a challenging course.

Hopefully I'll catch one in the coming months so I can share the experience.  Stay tuned.

Hooray!! Another Rail Trail for Maryland

Whenever I get discouraged about how long the South Shore Trail has taken to reach even the engineering stage, I talk with someone like Beth Strommen, who reminds me that Baltimore's Gwynns Falls Trail was fourteen years in the making.    But this heartening story tops even that example of tenacity.

In Chesapeake Beach, just over the Anne Arundel County line, citizen activist, city council member and now Mayor Bruce Wahl has been working since 1989 -- that's right, twenty years -- to build an all purpose recreational trail on the abandoned rightaway of the railroad that connected the resort community with Washington DC many years ago.  He's had to deal with budget cuts, easements, environmental issues and myriad governments (including the feds, and we know how that can go) to bring this dream to fruition. 

This month, the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail received its final approval and is going out to bid.  Construction will begin later this fall on the segment that connects several residential neighborhoods with downtown.

The rail trails of Maryland are among the most appealing in the country.  This winding path around the bayfront town will be a community enhancement, visitor attraction and one more recreation asset for our state. 

Congratulations to Mayor Wahl for seeing this part through.  Here's hoping his vision will extend to Anne Arundel County some day.

Strike Up The Band !!

It's alway a chaotic scene thirty minutes prior to kickoff, particularly if you're waiting for a camera crew in front of Johnny U. Fans are flowing from everywhere -- the light rail, Hamburg Street, the perimeter. Some are even chanting. ("He's here, he's there, he's ____ everywhere, ED REED! ED REED!") The cacophany makes you wonder it the carefully planned interview is even possible.

Then you hear a low rumble, and the crowds part as everything comes to a halt. Marching down Ravens Walk and leading the throngs into the stadium is the band, blasting the team fight song as the crowd cheers them onto the field. On a beautiful autumn day, the flags and the brass make the pregame pageant complete.

(They also cleared the plaza so the cameraman could get through. My heroes!)

The story of the Marching Ravens, their previous incarnation as the Colts Band, and their long association with the city even after that team's ignominious departure, is being retold in an ESPN special produced by Baltimore native Barry Levinson. There will be a special screening on the video board at M&T Bank Stadium on October 6th at 7:00 PM. The Marching Ravens will warm up the crowd with a concert at 6:30. The $5.00 admission will benefit the Maryland Film Festival.

There are many things that define Maryland's love for sports, but the poignant story of the "The Band That Wouldn't Die" has to be one of the most inspiring. Hope to see you all at the screening.

Waving the Maryland Flag

Terry sends his greetings from Indianapolis, where he is attending a meeting of the National Association of Sports Commissions.  Loath as we are to admit it, Indianapolis is where it is happening for many youth, amateur and collegiate sports activities because so many are headquartered there.  That makes it a prime location for sports commission representatives to assemble.  Indianapolis also has one of the oldest and best sports commissions, responsible for attracting the NCAA headquarters and many of their marquee events. 

A few years ago, their chairman came to Baltimore to talk to the Camden Yards Sports Commission about the importance of expanding their mission.  You can see how we took that message to heart with the creation of the Maryland Office of Sports Marketing.

Terry has already met with representatives from the NCAA as well as USA swim, dive, track, and gymnastic teams.  These are the folks we are interested in luring to Maryland for their regional or championship events.

In Sports Commission business, Terry reports there was a lot of discussion among the large market segment representatives about their mutual interests -- financial concerns in a challenging market, assembling a winning World Cup bid, forming partnerships with the private sector, etc.

Terry (who is a board member of the Association) addressed his colleagues on the opportunities and challenges he faces.  The Maryland Office of Sports Marketing is one of the few state organizations.  Most are either large cities or georgraphic regions. 

Maryland has unique assets in its multitude of natural resources, prime location near the nation's capital, large market major league facilities, and compact size.  The challenge is to capitalize on Maryland's opportunities by leveraging all the jurisdictions with the Office of Sports Marketing.  (We're good, but we can't do it without our teammates.)  We also need to engage the private sector and media as partners in marketing our product.

Terry wants everyone to know how much attention Maryland is getting for the facilities and venues we have and the opportunities we offer.  We are recognized (and envied) for our assets and our marketing plan.

Cast your ballot

Vote for Billy & Testudo

It's an election year in Annapolis and if you've been following the news, the race for Mayor is a pretty tumultuous affair. There are enough charges, counter charges, late hits and cheap shots to qualify for mixed martial arts.

There's one candidate everyone can get behind, though. He isn't running for Mayor or Alderman, and no one is questioning his residency because he lives in the hearts of all Navy fans.

It's Bill the Goat, and he's running for mascot supremacy in the Capital One Bowl.

I don't know what Bill wins if he garners the most votes. (Weekend liberty, perhaps?)  But Bill must be taking it seriously because when he took the field ahead of the Midshipmen last week, he was waving a campaign sign at the assembled multitudes. 

(A variation on the John Leopold technique, a proven winner in Anne Arundel County.)

Bill is not the only Maryland favorite in competition. Testuto is also a contender in this competition and deserves your consideration. It's worth giving him your vote just to see him dance online. A turtle boogy is something to behold.

Go here to vote for Maryland supremacy in the mascot derby. Fortunately you can vote for the turtle and the goat without stuffing the ballot box. Vote early and often.   It's the Maryland way.

Opening Day$$$$$

I attended two football openers last weekend. The home teams (Navy, Ravens) came through in both cases and the experience in the stadiums was every bit as exciting as you would expect from a partisan crowd.

But while engrossed in the games, I also had time to observe how spectator sports directly impact the local economy, and while providing a valuable tourism promotional vehicle.

(NOTE: I could not possibly do a scientific study of tourist spending by myself, so Ashley and her mom generously volunteered to observe the scene in several downtown establishments with me after the game.)

Economic impact studies can tell you a lot, based on formulas. Ticket sales provide zip codes, which translate into room nights and restaurant meals, with concessions and merchandise added on according to whatever multipliers are used.

But they don’t tell you about the neighborhood entrepreneurs who offer space in their driveways, or sell bottled water on the sidewalks leading to the park. They don’t factor in the PTAs who operate parking lots at the nearby elementary school to pay for playground equipment and supplies, or the Rotary Club volunteers who direct stadium traffic as a fund raiser for their community grant programs.

You might call it the underground economy; in Annapolis it's as much a tradition as the Herndon Climb.

It’s hard to calculate how many delis and rolling barbeque pits get the call for tailgates, since the numbers change every week. But the restaurants downtown can tell you how many extra staff they schedule, starting Friday night, when Navy plays at home. The corridor between the City Dock and the stadium is pretty much a moveable feast and shopping excursion.

In that shoulder season between the end of summer and the beginning of holiday parties, Navy home games rule the hospitality industry.

I’ve referenced the beauty of the stadium and its setting many times. This is echoed by anyone who has attended an event there in the past few years. Now consider what that means when most of those games are broadcast.

Whether the network is small or large, it still reaches far beyond the attendance of any given game. What they see is produced by a high def camera crew. So instead of having the beauty of Annapolis and pageantry of the Naval Academy seen only by those holding tickets, it is now available to every set with a sports TV package.

(It may even appear on those phones my kids have. I haven’t figured that Ap out yet.)

The telecasts show the cool stuff, like the F-18s thundering overhead, and the view of the Severn and the Bay, visible from the camera deck.

In short, broadcast along with a Navy game is a free commercial for visiting beautiful, historic Annapolis. It’s the kind of exposure that’s hard to match and a price that’s pretty unbeatable. While Annapolis hosts many other large events (the annual boat shows come to mind) they aren’t the kind of thing that garner national attention.

That’s the beauty of sports events -- they are watched all over the world, and they do include information about their location as part of the broadcast.

Tailgate Heaven

Tailgates are like a favorite player or team. Everyone considers theirs the best. So don’t flame me for my belief that there’s nothing in this world like a football afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Start with the location. You’re in Annapolis, for heavens sake. One of the most beautiful and historic college towns in the country. Even before the game, you’ll want to wander through the colonial seaport that has been home to the Naval Academy since 1845. You'll definitely want to return for dinner afterwards.

When I worked for the city, we started the practice of dressing downtown on game weekends. You’ll see N* and Brigade of Midshipmen flags flying atop baskets of flowers on the street lamps of the Historic District. The shops and restaurants will be filled, starting Friday afternoons, as the Class of Whatever (there’s always someone having a reunion) or the parents of some underclassman (they’re always around, too) mosey from one event to the next.

They’re easy to spot, because invariably they’re dressed in blue and gold with large pins proclaiming their affiliation. And they always have shopping bags, God bless ‘em. Annapolis retailers love Navy games almost as much as restaurateurs.

A few hours before the game, you’ll see a steady migration from the Historic District towards the stadium. Yes, it’s close enough to walk and a lot of people prefer that to parking on site, particularly if they’re staying at a downtown hotel or B&B. It’s a pleasant stroll, past the State House and Governor’s Mansion, and across College Creek by St. John’s.

One thing you’ll notice is bedsheets with spirit slogans hanging from strange places. Greetings from this company or that squad. They’ve been placed there by recon artists who slip over the wall Friday night to hang their words of encouragement for the Brigade and players to see on their way to the game. Some of them are hilarious. The Mids may be limited in art supplies, but they are ever resourceful with materials at hand. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a story about how the banners were made and who engineered them in place.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, celebrating its 50th birthday this month, was renovated a few years ago. The bowl was completely retrofitted, with suites and banquet facilities added to upper decks.

The most amazing upgrades were to the grounds, aka Tailgate Heaven. The entire complex was beautifully landscaped, including acres of grass where there was once only cinders. This turf parking lot offers a prime location for the true tailgaters who serve out of their trunks. You’ll see games of catch and even a little soccer going on over here.

As part of the renovation, NCAA constructed a walking trail around the stadium. This mile+ ellipse bordered with gardens and trees has become a tailgating concourse, with tables and small canopies dotting its perimeter. Very convenient for gladhandling on the tailgate circuit. The proverbial moveable feast.

(Note: Tailgating at Navy-Marine Corps stadium is not confined to football season. You see elaborate spreads at lacrosse matches, the Ten Mile Run, walkathons and other events staged during the year -- including USNA Commissioning. I’ve even seen tailgaters before demonstrations at the Maryland General Assembly. It's a part of our heritage. Yes, George Washington tailgated here.)

The true NavyFest area, where large parties and corporate tents are located, is the prime stretch between the stadium and Taylor Avenue. This is where you watch the parade of Midshipmen as they march from the Academy to the game. It’s always a stirring experience, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.

My boys were thrilled by the parades when they were little. They loved hearing “Anchors Aweigh” as the band marched into view, followed by the Brigade of Midshipmen, Bill the Goat, and a tiny battleship that patrols the field. They cheered wildly when some Mids threw Tootsie Rolls as they passed (sorry, kids - they don’t allow that anymore.) But for them, the best part was getting buzzed by a Navy Tomcat or watching skydivers sail onto the field right before the game. They would talk about it for days.

They always wanted to sit on the hill, above the cannon that blasted whenever Navy scored. That way, they got to watch the Plebes run out for their pushups. (It also made panhandling more candy from the Brigade easier. Navy games infused more sugar in those two than Halloween.)

Even fans who aren’t part of a tailgate crowd can be a part of the culinary experience. There are pregame parties in the NavyFest area you can purchase tickets for. This weekend, it’s an all you can eat crab feast. Can you imagine such fun at that school overlooking the Hudson?

Navy football is all about pageantry, pride, and tradition. It’s also about family –the Fleet that comprises the Navy universe and the generations of naval officers who began service to their country here. It’s also about Annapolis families like mine, who grew up with the Academy as the best friends and neighbors any town could ever have.

So Saturday I’ll be in game gear – blue and gold rugby shirt, navy blue leggings and enormous gold anchors in the ears and around the neck. I may even paint my face or stick on a tattoo.

(Yes, it still embarrasses the boys, even after all these years.)

GO NAVY !!!

Kayaking Crabtown

I took up kayaking about ten years and twenty pounds ago. Originally it was an inexpensive way to enjoy the water. Later I came to appreciate the exercise and upper body strength it offered. But the underlying appeal was the quick escape into solitude it provided. For at least a year I carried a kayak around in my van, ready to row off at a moment's notice. In Annapolis, that's all it takes.
Although Annapolis fancies itself as "America's Sailing Capital" the layout of the town lends itself perfectly to a less complex form of watercraft. Situated between two rivers, among four creeks and countless coves, Annapolis has many small, street-end landings where anyone can launch a canoe or kayak. As a result, you frequently see people paddling quietly amongst those million dollar yachts in Ego Alley or tied up at the dingy dock near the Market House.

Among my favorite kayaking experiences one summer was attending the dockside Navy Band concerts, floating behind the brass section with some music loving mallards. I also enjoyed paddling in Lake Ogleton with a family of swans, and watching the ospreys fish from their channel marker homes. (I learned not to get too close. They can part your hair with those talons.)

So although it's been a while since I kayaked, the invitation from Arlene was a welcome opportunity to enjoy the Annapolis harbor on this Labor Day weekend. We launched at Horn Point and made our way around the choppy waters of Sycamore Point to Spa Creek, dodging the Race Week fleet as they returned.

Arlene and I last braved Spa Creek together on the legendary Rose and Thistle, the City of Annapolis' entry in the annual Build a Boat contest many years ago. Since we both worked at City Hall and no one stepped up to defend municipal honor, Arlene and I answered the call.

The Rose and Thistle was our craft, built from plywood and bailing wire, held together with epoxy and a few prayers. It didn't look too sturdy, but since it was designed by Ric Dahlgren, the City Harbormaster, we were reasonably sure it was seaworthy. Besides, all we had to do was row a few hundred yards and finish ahead of our traditional rival, Anne Arundel County. Sounded simple enough. I took the bow. Arlene, who could row like a galley slave, powered the stern.

I'll spare the details of how the boat leaked and listed as soon as we cast off. And how the county recruited some firefighters to muscle their craft. (Since Arlene now works for the county, I won't repeat the epithets we hurled when that buff crew of ringers climbed aboard the Lady Anne.)

Thankfully, the Rose and Thistle didn't sink. (Arlene can bail and row at the same time. What a gal!) We finished the race, and achieved our primary objective. The City prevailed over the County, at least that year.

(I think the Lady Anne is still on the bottom of Spa Creek. Fortunately, the burly firefighters were also good swimmers.)

Remembering the voyage of the Rose and Thistle gave us something to laugh about as we paddled under the Spa Creek bridge. At least we didn't have a couple hundred people whooping at us this time.

The different perspective of Annapolis is amazing. The steeples of St. Mary's and St. Anne's along with the domes of the State House and the Academy chapel still provide a memorable skyline when seen from the many waterside approaches to the city, but the perception is entirely different. There is a sense of serenity you don't feel when surrounded by engines. At sunset, the view from the harbor is breathtaking in every direction.

Another nice thing about kayaking in Annapolis is that anyone can do it. My first experience was at Quiet Waters Park, The boat rental is on Harness Creek, a secluded tributary of South River. At Quiet Waters, it's more likely you'll see blue herons and deer instead of mallards or seagulls like City Dock. The kayaks are the type that sit on top of the water, providing stability and ease in maneuvering. It was a fun, inexpensive adventure I enjoyed with the kids when they were younger. We felt like Amazon explorers, poking into the lagoons and listening to wildlife.

If you want to explore downtown Annapolis and the maritime district, you can rent watercraft at Annapolis Canoe and Kayak Rentals. Arlene and I saw quite a few sightseers on their vessels as we explored the upper part of the creek. (Spa Creek can also be accessed from Truxtun Park, where there is a public boat launch.)

There is still wonderful weather left in this season. Fall kayaking is better than any other time, and there are so many places in Maryland where it is offered. I still plan to try Charles County with Donna Dudley. And someday I want to row as well as Arlene.

Another discovery . . .

In our relentless quest to identify every sports venue in Maryland, Team Terry relies on a number of sources, including event coordinators and facility operators. Sometimes, as with the discovery of the fencing community, we learn about activities via local papers.

That’s how we happened upon Sportsman’s Hall in Upperco. With 30,000 square feet and a capacity of 1300, Sportsman’s Hall is the largest roller skating rink on the East Coast. It has a floating maple floor and has been around since 1959.

It caters to the quad set, not bladers or boarders, so it's safe for those of us older than the rink. It also features live organ music on some nights. How cool is that?

I haven’t been this excited since learning the Naval Academy has two natatoriums.

So once again, all you sports and rec fans out there – we rely on you to help us with our inventory of venues and calendar of events. Maryland has a wealth of resources to offer, and Sports Marketing wants to include everyone.

Heat, Humidity and Hills

34 years ago, a group of friends (including a few Marines) were discussing their fitness regimens at a party. Somewhere between cocktails, a challenge to race from Severna Park to Annapolis was delivered. The course was set at ten miles, and there were seven participants. One of the Marines, a Vietnam veteran helicopter pilot named John Astle, rallied from behind to reach City Dock first.

Naturally, such a finish suggested a rematch. Which has occurred every year since.

Although the course has changed over the years, the distance is still ten miles. Held the last Sunday in August, the Annapolis Ten Mile, sponsored by the Annapolis Striders, now includes 5,500 runners. It is one of the largest events in the Mid-Atlantic region promoting physical fitness and the sport of running. And it still includes John Astle, now a Maryland State Senator.

I wasn’t at Navy Marine Corps stadium at 7:45 AM when Senator Astle started the race. I arrived about an hour later to see the fastest in the field make their final loop around the stadium to the finish line. It was impressive to see friends and family lining the trail on the stadium perimeter, ringing cowbells, holding signs and shouting encouragement. Also gratifying to see all those out of state tags in the parking lot.

The 5,500 participants are from 35 states and five countries. Unlike many popular races, the Annapolis Ten Mile isn't destined to grow. The field is set at 5,500 and the race run with very tight constraints to minimize disruption to Sunday worship services. The limit, and its location, gives the Annapolis Ten Mile a certain cache. This year, it sold out in two weeks with most slots filled within a few hours.

The Annapolis Ten Mile, always held the last Sunday in August, is known for the 3 H’s – Heat, Humidity and Hills. This year, early morning thunderstorms blew out the first two for more pleasant running conditions. (Couldn’t level those hills, though.)

There are two more H’s that make the Annapolis Ten Mile a must for recreational runners – History and Heritage. The route takes the field past the State House and Church Circle, through downtown Annapolis to the City Dock, along the Naval Academy wall, across College Creek and then the Severn River. The beauty of Annapolis, with its historic architecture and welcoming harbor, is on display for those early morning visitors. Another magnificent view awaits as they cross back over the Severn and see the Naval Academy with the Chesapeake Bay in the distance on their return to the stadium.

The Annapolis CVB estimates the economic impact of the race at $3 million. After a visit downtown, I can attest. At 4:00 PM, it was still standing room only at Middleton Tavern. The hostess explained many of the guests were in town for the race. They had been coming all day, and were still arriving as I left.

Yes, that’s anecdotal evidence about the benefits of hosting a recreational event like the Annapolis Ten Mile. But between the activity in the restaurants and hotels, and the generous contributions made to the local hospital by race organizers, I can understand why this is such a community asset.

Thanks, Senator Astle. Hope you and the Striders keep the pace for many years.

Kick In!!!

Team Terry gets many calls (and resumes) from folks wanting to help with efforts to bring World Cup competition to Maryland. In the successful preliminary rounds, the bid process was handled quite ably by the Office of Sports Marketing and stakeholders at M&T Bank Stadium and FedEx Fields.

Now, the organizers of the US Bid have upped the ante for venues aspiring to be part of the bid -- an online petition to FIFA, showing passion for soccer in the United States.

Why is this important? Good question. Do online petitions really influence decision makers? Glad you asked. Here's the reason why we need everyone in Maryland (you folks in Virginia can play, too) to sign the petition.

THEY'RE TRACKING THE ZIP CODES

That's right. In addition to expressing support to bring the World Cup to the US, you also let the US organizers know just how many soccer fans are in specific geographic areas.

This isn't a matter of Baltimore vs. Metropolitan Washington. It's "all in" for Maryland. That's where you can play.

Team Terry is asking everyone who has an interest in bringing marquee sports events to Maryland to go here and wave the flag for US soccer.

http://www.gousabid.com/petition

Remember, your zip code is how they track geographic support.

Hopefully, we will make it to the next round (meet the parents? Governor O'Malley and Senator Mikulski will wow them) and will know more by the end of the year.

In the meantime, help us by circulating the link with a personal message on the importance of showing US passion for international soccer. Again, the link is:

www.gousabid.com/petition